Quakers call for immediate end to use of force in Gaza

Quakers in Britain today made this statement about Gaza, as violence in the region increases.

“From the Kindertransport in Europe in the 1930’s to early childhood education and youth empowerment of Palestinians in Gaza in 2012, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has dedicated itself to peace and service on behalf of all people, irrespective of their faiths and affiliations, where lives are impacted by violence, poverty and injustice.

“Quakers know from centuries of engagement against war and for peace, that violence begets violence. Quakers seek to speak truth to power, and at this time the balance of power is with Israel which controls the Gaza Strip through its illegal occupation and prolonged siege.

“We call for an immediate end to the use of force by all parties.

“Continued military escalation and violence will do nothing to make either Palestinian or Israeli civilians safer. We ask that International law be upheld, and that all those Israelis and Palestinians who work for peace be given the opportunity to move forward together towards a shared peaceful future.

“Quakers call on the international community to use its influence and diplomatic weight to act urgently to bring about a ceasefire to end the current violence. Knowing that there is a human face to this tragedy as it continues to unfold, we pray that all the people of the region be allowed to live in peace.”

The statement, signed by Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain, is being sent to the Foreign Secretary, William Hague and to the Israeli embassy and the Palestinian embassy in London.

Ends• Quakers are known formally as the Religious Society of Friends.
• Around 23,000 people attend nearly 475 Quaker meetings in Britain. Their commitment to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenges them to seek positive social and legislative change.